‘It would be momentous’ – Snooker bosses facing mega payout with Shaun Murphy and Judd Trump on verge of huge bonuses

SHAUN MURPHY has no issue taking money out of the World Snooker Tour kitty in Sunday’s Battle of the Bonuses.

Should the Magician, 42, score an 11th career 147 in the blockbuster Last 16 clash with Judd Trump, he will bank a mega £147,000 bonus.

Shaun Murphy could bank a mega £147,000 bonus

Judd Trump is only two centuries away from celebrating 100 for the season

This is because he hit a maximum at the Masters at Ally Pally in January and the Triple Crown incentive is new for the 2024-25 campaign.

It might be a costly day for baize bigwigs because Trump, 35, is only TWO centuries away from celebrating 100 for the season.

If that happens, he will receive a £100,000 prize for making a century of centuries.

Murphy, the 2005 world snooker champion, does not care if it is an expensive day for the authorities, saying: “They’ve got plenty of dough, haven’t they?

“I don’t think anyone at World Snooker is worried about where their next sandwich is coming from. They have plenty of money to give away.

“It would be momentous if we both do it. It’s great, these incentives flying, creates a bit of interest and talking points.

“I had a little dip at the 147 in the first round because I’m very aware of the prize floating around, having made one already.

“If it pops its head out, I’m going to go for it. I’m sure Judd will make as many centuries as he possibly can.

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“I set out to make 100 centuries as well, but I’m way behind. There is very little chance of me doing it.

“I hope he does take the bonus. I just hope he doesn’t have too many centuries.”

Trump – who has won his last seven meetings against Murphy – is playing in his 91st match of an excellent, trophy-laden season.

In 2019-20, the World No1 hit 102 centuries in 95 matches and across 700 frames.

The ton-plus record is held by Australian star Neil Robertson who made 103 centuries in 115 matches – and 842 frames – in 2013-14.

The Juddernaut, who has collected more than £9million in career earnings, said: “Luckily, I’m in a fortunate position. I’ve had a great season.

“I’ve had a great couple of seasons and am able to go out there and play snooker.

“No worries about trying to provide for my family and other things, which some of the other players have to play for.

“I just want to go out and play snooker. If there was no money on the line I’d still want to get to 100 centuries and in snooker, you want to break every single record.

“Hopefully I can make the 100 centuries faster than Neil maybe did. Those are the kind of things which inspire me nowadays.”